Cover photo for Jane Kilroy's Obituary
Jane Kilroy Profile Photo
1922 Jane 2018

Jane Kilroy

May 24, 1922 — January 12, 2018

Jane Kilroy was born in Halmstad, Sweden in 1922, and immigrated to Cleveland with her family at age ten. Jane went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from Ohio State, where she was captain of the fencing team and majored in child psychology and french.

After graduation, she worked for the Plain Dealer before marrying Charles and raising five children in Shaker Heights. After Charles' death in 1989, Jane continued to live a full and active life.

Jane was a nature lover and ardent environmentalist, before the term was invented. She traveled widely, bird-watching and observing wildlife on trips to Africa, Costa Rica, Baja California, and Alaska. Before it was easy to accomplish, Jane also traveled to China, the Soviet Union, and Cuba.

She was interested in cultural exchange, and participated in five international exchange programs, hosting individuals from Europe and Asia.
Jane was an accomplished tennis player, and one of the first women to play squash in Cleveland. She was instrumental in bringing international tennis tournaments to Cleveland in the 60's and 70's, and counted many world champions as friends.

Jane was a naturally talented artist, designing and creating fine needlework that fills the homes of friends and family.

She was also a long term volunteer at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, where she learned taxidermy and created exhibits that are still on display.

Jane was the beloved wife of the late Charles J. Kilroy and the dear mother of Peter E. Kilroy of Brooklyn, NY; Jonathan C. Kilroy (Patricia) of Shaker Hts., OH; Charles J. Kilroy, Jr. of Eureka, CA; Alison Jane Kilroy (Diane Nuckles) of Seattle, WA and Roberta A. Kilroy (Steven Perlman) of Golden, CO;. She was the dear grandmother of David Francis Kilroy, Daniel Charles Kilroy and Cayley Perlman; and the dear sister of J. Evert Esborn of Wickliffe, OH, and the late Torsten (Marge), Karl Erik, and Hilding Esborn.

The family prefers that those who wish may make contributions in her name to Holden Arboretum, 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland, OH 44094.

A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, January 20th at 10 AM in The Church of St. Dominic, 19000 Van Aken Blvd., (at Norwood Rd.) Shaker Hts., OH 44122.

Following the Funeral Mass, there will be a reception from 11:30 to 2:00, at Judson Park, Mansion Living room, 1801 Chestnut Hills Drive, Cleveland Heights, OH 44106


FRIENDS MAY CALL AT BROWN-FORWARD, 17022 CHAGRIN BLVD., SHAKER HTS., OH ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 19TH FROM 4-6 PM.

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